KCM SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS EXPECTING AT LEAST 20 PERCENT INCREASE IN BUSINESS

By Michael Kaluba

Mine Suppliers and Contractors at Konkola Copper Mines-KCM- are expecting at least 20 percent increase in business as a result of the improved highest integrated production figures achieved by the mine since it was placed on liquidation.

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe last week told parliament that integrated copper production over the past two months at KCM increased from an average of 4,300 to 6,100 tonnes, representing 41% increase in production, with plans in place to increase production further to 7000 tonnes per month.

To this effect, Association of Mine

Suppliers and Contractors President Costa Mwaba has disclosed that KCM is now pushing its suppliers to provide information including data sheets for orders to be given out while most association members have already received inquiries for orders.

Mr. Mwaba says increased output at KCM will automatically translate into more business for Zambian suppliers and contractors and is urging KCM to quickly increase its production further to result in prompt payments to suppliers and contractors who recently disclosed having lost up to 50 percent business collectively under mopani and KCM.

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